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Through a quiet path, among vineyards and wheat fields, you reach the Crypt...

Through a quiet path, among vineyards and wheat fields, you reach the Crypt of Original Sin. This exceptional cave church represents one of the oldest examples of the rupestrian art of Southern Italy. Its extraordinary cycle of frescoes, made five hundred years before Giotto, illustrates scenes from the Old and New Testament. For its theological value and artistic pictorial compendium, the cave-church has been called the 'Sistine Chapel' of the rupestrian wall painting.

Really nice and interesting place to visit, if you like old paintings made in the rock. you have to reserve by phone or via website and then go to a vine yard (Dragone) , where they take you with transport to the Cripta. The guide inside it is in several languages (English, Italian, Spanish, amongst others). Photos with flash are...
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My brother-in-law recommended this for our group after researching things to do around Matera. Very nice presentation and explanation of religious paintings on a cave wall. The presentation has lighting to highlight the paintings during the presentation. Located outside Matera. Quite difficult to find. Our B & B owner wrote out directions which did not help us. 2 off duty...
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This tour is an absolute must if you are in the Matera area. The history of the crypt is tremendous, and Antonio will answer as many questions as you want to ask. He was super knowledgable about all kinds of off beat things I had read about the cave and added so much color to the stories.
That first moment...
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Stunning and well preserved frescos. The old place of worship is tucked away in a cave just outside of Matera. The tour has very well done audio explanation of what you see with excellent lighting. No photos unfortunately.

I emailed Brunella several times about tickets, opening, location & found communication was excellent & directions very accurate as the sat nav couldn't locate - having a car is essential. Located in a vineyard, you gather half hour before, looks available, pay 10€ each, we were then given English audio guide then follow the guides car down to the grotto...
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This is fantastic and unexpected. You need a car to get here but the audio guide in English was excellent and the frescos are something else!
It is easy to find in the car using GPS.
A really worthwhile visit- better than the frescos in the middle of Matera as not only are they better preserved the whole experience is...
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The Cripta del Peccato Originale just re-opened. It's certainly an amazing place, and the Art and History buff will be delighted to visit it. However, if you are not fairly proficient on religious art and don't have enough time in Matera, visit instead the churches of Santa Lucia delle Malve e Santa Maria di Idris: you'll get the idea and...
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I visited Matera in March,2016 and hoped to visit this site. Unfortunately it is closed for renovation. So if you are interested in visiting, double-check with the tourist information office to make sure that have opened.

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